Operating a proposed indoor aquatic center could cost Russellville taxpayers more than $200,000 annually, according to an estimated budget prepared for the city.

The budget, prepared by ETC Engineers & Architects of Little Rock and provided to the city in April, estimated annual operating costs at $315,254, which includes $134,862 for salaries, $88,256 for chemicals and $50,831 in energy costs. The proposed revenue is $115,000, which leaves an annual deficit of $200,254.

Other projected costs are $5,805 for water and sewer, $1,000 for overtime, $10,000 for insurance, $2,500 for printing and supplies, $500 for advertising, $500 for postage, $2,500 for telephone, $12,000 for pool maintenance and repair, $5,000 for building maintenance and $1,500 for travel and training for a pool operator course.

The proposed salaries include $35,000 for an aquatic program manager, $22,500 for a part-time pool manager, $11,550 for a part-time maintenance superintendent, $7,800 for a part-time control desk worker, and $37,440 for lifeguards. The report notes the proposed staffing is based on sharing current personnel and employing a minimal workforce. More staff could be needed as facility use increases.

Income is expected to come from club training and usage, $10,000; event revenue, $40,000; concessions and retail, $25,000; memberships and daily usage fees, $26,000; sponsorships and partnerships, $10,000; and tournaments, $4,000. The revenue projections leave school and city support as “to be determined.”

An alternative income proposal was included, possibly to show how revenues could increase after the facility is better established. This proposal estimates $165,750 in revenue. Increases from the previous proposal include $10,000 each for education/programming and fitness/therapy. Proposed event revenue was increased by $14,000, proposed concession revenue was increased by $11,500, daily use fees by $250 and sponsorships by $5,000.

The report contains the disclaimer that “the cost shown in this budget were estimated based on national data base. Actual cost can therefore vary widely from the estimated cost.”

Operating aquatic facilities on a deficit is not uncommon, and cities may determine the benefits outweigh the costs associated with operating such facilities.

Russellville’s Hickey Pool is one example of this, though on a much smaller scale. In 2012, the pool’s income totaled $61,384 and expenses totaled $78,922, a deficit of $17,537.

The question is whether the much larger proposed deficit of the indoor facility is feasible within the city’s operating budget.

Mayor Bill Eaton said what the city’s portion of the operating deficit will be is yet to be determined. He said the Russellville School District and others whose swim teams practice at the facility would “certainly” contribute to maintenance costs.

Also as of yet undetermined is how the city will fund its portion of operating costs.

Eaton said one option being considered is the city’s one-cent sales tax — provided voters approve to extend the tax.

Eaton said the facility — originally proposed as an indoor/outdoor facility that would cost in excess of $8 million — will now be capped at $5.5 million and will likely be an indoor-only facility, funded by the one-cent sales tax.

“I don’t think we will be able to incorporate any outdoor structures with it,” he said.

City leaders have yet to finalize a proposed location for the center. Proposed locations at Hickey Park and Vick Field, located across from the Hughes Center, have been discussed at length.

Also in consideration, Eaton said, is the possibility of building the facility on property adjacent to the Hughes Center.